Project Description
Singapore
Terence Tan
Santino Coffee Specialists
Please tell us a little bit about yourself:
Coffee has been a big part of my life, my grandparents own a store that serves Singapore’s local coffee, still today. I remember I used to help out at the store when I was little, collecting empty glasses for washing, once in awhile I was entrusted to serve coffee and collect the payments to test my mental calculation over the table. A coffee seed was indeed planted in me long ago, without me knowing. My ambition was to be a chef when I was in my teens, I never thought of learning coffee since my family were already involved. I got to learn how to brew espresso by chance 12 years ago just before I got enlisted into the Army. The coffee seed planted in me started to grow since. Since then, I learn to be the “chef” of coffee, a barista. Been through multiple barista championships with the dream to represent the country in worlds. Now, my dream came true, and I am looking forward to be in Seoul.
What are you excited to do while you are in Seoul?:
Besides the Championship, I want to enjoy the local cuisine and drink lots of soju!
Please list the coffee competitions you have participated in, what year they took place, and your results:
– World Latte Art Championship 2012, Seoul, (13th)
– FHA Barista Championship 2014, (3rd)
– Singapore National Barista Championship ’09, ’11 (4th), ’12 (3rd), ’13 (2nd), ’14 (2nd), ’15, ’17 (1st)
– Greenfields Latte Art Championship 2012, (1st)
– Singapore Cup Tasters Championship ’16, ’17 (Finals)
Is there anyone you would like to thank or recognize, or who helped you to prepare for the WBC?:
Firstly, Santino Coffee for the support they given me throughout Nationals and for the up-coming Worlds. Charlize, who is my GM and coach, for giving great insight from the point of view of judges in the championship. Secondly, 2 Degree North and Yi Yang, for roasting my coffee and going through the cupping sessions together. Thirdly, my family and my fiance, for believing in my abilities since my first Nationals. Always there to support me and encourage me. Lastly, my friends that went through training and tastings with me, friends and baristas that have been part of my life journey, you have made a difference to me in a way or another to who I am today.
How do you see the coffee industry changing in the future?:
In Singapore, specialty coffee will definitely grow even more as more consumers understand their needs in coffee, in taste profiles, and even roast profiles. With climate change, prices of coffee will definitely shoot up too—we need to find a way to make great coffee affordable. If it gets too expensive, it may discourage people to drink great coffee.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?:
As most barista would love, to have a shop of their own one day. Serving the coffee you love and sharing your passion with one customer at a time.
What are your interests outside of coffee?:
I’m into sports like football, rugby and dodgeball. Also a big fan of Manchester United, and the All Blacks. Monthly, we will have a knockabout with my mates.
